Time Out says

Please note, since this review was published the £55 bone-in rib-eye is no longer served. Time Out Eating & Drinking editors, Oct 2016.

It may be ‘serious about steak’ (their words) but don’t come to Arlo’s expecting a classic US-style steakhouse, all dark and sultry. No, this Balham newbie, on the site once home to Tartine, is a bright, clean-lined, family-friendly spot.

But it does put steak – three cuts – at front and centre (literally: the menu has the steaks in a big square in the middle). Of the two cheaper options, the bavette, with its pink, tender inner and nicely charred outer, was the best (and best value, at £12). Its rival, the rump-esque picanha, is £2 dearer, for which you get more flavour but also, sadly, a tougher meat. As for the ‘sharing’ rib-eye, this may have been both full-flavoured and tender, but even with two freebie sauces and a portion of garlic-bread-of-sorts thrown in, the £55 price tag is hard to swallow. It easily serves two, but to make it stretch to three you’d need plenty of sides, something Arlo’s isn’t strong on. The ‘carbs’ were something of a washout (overcooked hand-cut fries, bland mac and cheese, chewy ‘trencher’ aka garlic-bread-of-sorts). But salads were excellent: jalapeno summer slaw packs a punch (though it may too fiery for some), but better still is the raw carrot salad, where zingy Asian flavours come with the crunch of sunflower seeds.

If this leaves you a little thin on the options, don’t worry: the decadent dark chocolate tart, with its moreish Oreo biscuit base and sharp berry coulis, may not be wildly original, but is quite addictive. Arlo’s may not be perfect, but if you order carefully, you can still get a decent steak, salad and pud for £21. Plus carafes of wine for £12.50 and a ‘no service added’ bill where any tip you leave goes direct to the staff. And you can’t say fairer than that.

Arlo's says

Steak is what we do.

We source the finest grass-fed beef from British native breeds – because we think they're the best – and then we seek out the lesser-known steaks that would often find their way to the butcher’s table.

Arlo's, a stylish new steak restaurant just off Balham High Street, is a gem of a place.

The decor and staff made a welcoming duo and this relaxed and friendly feel was a very refreshing atmosphere to dine in.

Arlo's slogan, "serious about steak" is just that: no nonsense, simple, high-quality meat. My perfectly cooked bavette steak was paired with crispy chips, fresh broccoli, and an array of yummy sauces to choose from, includingthe classic béarnaise as well as the restaurant'sown spicy modern sauce which had a perfect kick to it.If meat isn't your thing, there's other choices on the menu too...albeit limited! The desserts were delicious, rich and fruity, so that by the end of the evening I was comfortably full - all this at a very reasonable price.

Arlo's is straightforward, fun, and has a whole lot of charm. Its style and menu is similar to a trendy pop-up but its quality food and polished service is on apar with other well-established London restaurants. I would highly recommend this place...unless you are a vegetarian, and even then I'd still urge you to go!

Went here once for brunch and it has since become a favourite! Everything is done to perfection, and the service is also great. Strongly recommend the veggie breakfast with the PERFECT halloumi, and the truffle mushroom dish is also very tasty. Recommend booking as it's starting to get busy!

Affordable, decent quality steak - a rare find in London. Recommend the halloumi bites and padron peppers to start (and to line your stomach before the meat feast ahead), and be sure to go with an equally carnivorous friend - the 1kg sharing steaks are not for the faint hearted...

A simple concept - good steaks, good sides, good drinks. It's enough to keep most people happy, unless you're a veggie, of course! Our table enjoyed a variety of cuts. The bavette was tender and juicy, and the accompanying truffle aioli added to the flavour. The rib-eye at £17 was 'well worth the money', and the hanger was a huge portion which, like the others, was very lean and very juicy.

We all had an 'eyes bigger than our stomachs' moment and finished with hard shakes. They are bigger than most puddings, so beware. And at £7.50, they're not cheap, but they are very very tasty.

Lovely atmosphere - nothing is too much trouble and attention to detail is meticulous. The prices are incredibly family friendly and it is a fantastic addition to Balham's restaurants whether going for lunch with the children/supper with friends/ romantic a deux or a party. Absolutely fabulous!!!!

So excited about this new restaurant in Balham! The restaurant looks great and the food is fantastic! They take their steaks very seriously, but they have amazing starters, sides and desserts as well ! Highly recommended.

Such a refreshing newcomer to the Balham food scene - seriously good steak at affordable prices, and the fries are epic too. Have been a few times already and it's always a fun atmosphere and great service. It's one of those places you want to keep going back to, and I will.

They are not only serious about steaks, they are serious about everything! Steaks are excellent and perfectly cooked. Sauces are tasteful. Special mention to the Bearnaise and chimichuri. Homemade fries and grilled broccoli are a must. The place is kids friendly and has a fantastic kids menu at an unbeatable price. Fab dessert (all great, try the pavlova, it's awesome). The value for money is outstanding and the service is spotless. I just saw they have a nice brunch menu as well, I will try that for sure. Highly recommended.

We just found this place round the corner from us. I think it has opened recently, but we had to queue already to get in (which I took as a pretty good sign!). The food was excellent (will try to upload a picture if I can get the app to work) - really wonderful and tender steak and hand cut chips - this is a no-nonsense steakhouse, serving truly high quality beef. Better than that, it was well priced - I think a steak and chips was around £13-15, which is waaaayyy less than I have found elsewhere in London. Could not recommend it more.